PinkMonkey.com Digital Library - A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

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said to the latter: “You had great influence but yesterday, Doctor
Manette; let it at least be tried. These judges, and all the men in
power, are very friendly to you, and very recognisant of your
services; are they not?” “Nothing connected with Charles was
concealed from me. I had the strongest assurances that I should
save him; and I did.” He returned the answer in great trouble, and
very slowly.

“Try them again. The hours between this and to-morrow afternoon
are few and short, but try.”

“I intend to try. I will not rest a moment.” “That’s well. I have
known such energy as yours do great things before nowthough
never,” he added, with a smile and a sigh together, “such great
things as this. But try! Of little worth as life is when we misuse it, it
is worth that effort. It would cost nothing to lay down if it were
not.” “I will go,” said Doctor Manette, “to the Prosecutor and the
President straight, and I will go to others whom it is better not to
name. I will write too, and-But stay! There is a celebration in the
streets, and no one will be accessible until dark.” “That’s true.
Well! It is a forlorn hope at the best, and not much the forlorner for
being delayed till dark. I should like to know how you speed;
though, mind! I expect nothing! When are you likely to have seen
these dread powers, Doctor Manette?” “Immediately after dark, I
should hope. Within an hour or two from this.” “It will be dark
soon after four. Let us stretch the hour or two. If I go to Mr.
Lorry’s at nine, shall I hear what you have done, either from our
friend or from yourself?” “Yes.” “May you prosper!” Mr. Lorry
followed Sydney to the outer door, and, touching him on the
shoulder as he was going away, caused him to turn.

“I have no hope,” said Mr. Lorry, in a low and sorrowful whisper.
“Nor have I.” “If any one of these men, or all of these men, were
disposed to spare himwhich is a large supposition; for what is his
life, or any man’s to them!- I doubt if they durst spare him after the
demonstration in the court.” “And so do I. I heard the fall of the
axe in that sound.” Mr. Lorry leaned his arm upon the door-post,
and bowed his face upon it.

“Don’t despond,” said Carton, very gently; “don’t grieve. I
encouraged Doctor Manette in this idea, because I felt that it might
one day be consolatory to her.

Otherwise, she might think ‘his life was wantonly thrown away or
wasted,’ and that might trouble her.” “Yes, yes, yes,” returned Mr.
Lorry, drying his eyes, “you are right.

But he will perish; there is no real hope.” “Yes. He will perish:
there is no real hope,” echoed Carton. And walked with a settled
step, down-stairs.